"You were distracted trying to protect me. No one can fault you for that," The contact she felt she needed more than ever, glancing to him briefly before her eyes rested on his leg. He was hurt because of her. Nearly died because of her. All because she was afraid.

"I'm sorry," Once more she said it, resting her head on his shoulder as she closed her eye against the tears that wanted to come out. Not then. She couldn't feel sorry for herself then.

"I'll try harder, and be stronger. I'm not going to let anything like that happen to you again... Not to you, or to anyone else from Konoha. That's my promise to you, Senpai."